Friday, December 23, 2011

Dharma Quote - Chonyi Taylor on Right Speech

Dharma Quote of the Week

Speech that is not harmful is the meaning of "right speech." It is
wise speech. Wise people can still be quite firm and decisive when that
is what is needed. It means finding generous and productive ways of
saying things. There are times when we need to be strict, but we do not
have to denigrate or harm the person or child who is out of line. Firm
speech can also be wise speech.

Wise speech is another tool that can be practiced. We can begin by
practicing wise speech to ourselves--replacing the inner voice of guilt
that is putting us down and opening a space to listen to our deeper
needs.

What can I say which will be helpful to someone? What tone of voice
will I use? And when is it wise to say nothing? Imagine yourself
actually saying something helpful and supportive. Imagine the difference
it would make in your life if you could say just one helpful thing to
one person. Imagine your life if your speech always came from
wisdom.(p.136)